Archive for the Interviews Category
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 21, 2012 at 16:30 pm
♦ Claggett Still After Much Talked of Fight with Coveney ♦
By: GM Ross
Steve ‘the Dragon’ Claggett (13-1-1) of Calgary, Alberta, is eager to get back in action. In January, Claggett knocked out highly touted Ontarian Ryan ‘The Nightmare’ Wagner (4-1-0), firmly establishing himself as the top light welterweight in western Canada. Wagner, however, wasn’t the opponent Claggett initially hoped for. In October 2011, ‘The Dragon’ called out fellow Albertan Rory Coveney of Edmonton via The Boxing Examiner. Negotiations seemed to be going smoothly; Team Coveney replied to Claggett’s defi positively, telling fans their man was “looking forward to fighting Steve.”
Unfortunately, all was not as it seemed. Fans hoped to see the fight added to the December 9, 2011, KO Boxing Promotions show in Edmonton, but no such luck. Claggett has kept active since calling out Coveney, defeating both Antonio Dos Santos (2-3-0) and Ryan Wagner (4-1-0) by TKO. Wagner was coming off a unanimous decision victory over none other than Rory Coveney, making Claggett’s victory that much sweeter. Despite his success, Claggett’s ambition to fight Coveney hasn’t wavered. “There has been so much talk about this,” said Claggett. “We should give the Alberta boxing fans what we said we would.” Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 18, 2012 at 16:00 pm
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
TheBoxingExaminer.com
On Saturday, February 18, undefeated Canadian featherweight prospect Tyler Asselstine (8-0-0) of Ottawa, Ontario, will be stepping into the ring with Nicola Cipolletta (8-0-0) of Napoli, Campania, Italy, at Montreal’s Bell Centre. Both men are young, undefeated fighters, but only one will be victorious. Once more, the southpaw from Ottawa will do everything he can to impress Montreal boxing fans. The Boxing Examiner had a chance to talk with Tyler one day before the fight.
The Boxing Examiner : Good afternoon Tyler. How are you?
Tyler Asselstine: I feel great and I’m excited for the fight.
TBE: How was your training camp? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 18, 2012 at 15:49 pm
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
TheBoxingExaminer.com
On February 18, 2012, at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, five-time Canadian national amateur champion and former NABA super featherweight champion Arash Usmanee (16-0-0) will face former Dutch super featherweight champion Innocent Anyanwu (21-3-2). Usmanee was busy in 2011, fighting six times, earning amazing victories over Aldo Valtierra, Alejandro Barrera and, recently, Antonio Joao Bento. All of them had much more international experience than Usmanee, but the Canadian won nonetheless. He has successfully answered every challenge with courage and dedication. If all goes according to plan, Usmanee will be facing Chris Howard (14-0-1) of Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 17 in Atlanta, Georgia, for the vacant WBC Continental Americas lightweight title. The Boxing Examiner sat down to talk with this rising star the day before his fight with Anyanwu.
The Boxing Examiner: Good afternoon Arash. Do you have time for a few questions?
Arash Usmanee: No problem!
TBE: On Saturday night, you will fight Innocent Anyanwu, who possess a third round knockout win over Sergio Palomo. Your thoughts? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 16, 2012 at 21:28 pm
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
© Photo Courtesy Robert Levesque – AR Photo Zone
On February 18, 2012, Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (16-1-0) faces Jesus “El Martillo” Gonzales (27-1-0) in an IBF super middleweight elimination bout for the organization’s number two spot in the division. For this main event bout, Stevenson will be trained by the legendary Emanuel Stewart. Both fighters are southpaw and eager to get it on. Stevenson is ranked number twelve in the world by Boxrec, while Jesus Gonzales ranks one position higher at eleventh. Fans should expect a very good fight as “Superman” and “the Hammer” scrap it out in pursuit of IBF super middleweight champion Lucian Bute.
TheBoxingExaminer.com
TheBoxingExaminer.com
Today, on a public training day, the Boxing Examiner caught up with both Stevenson and Gonzales for their thoughts on their upcoming matchup.
Adonis Stevenson;
The Boxing Examiner: Good afternoon Adonis, how are you?
Adonis Stevenson: I feel real good.
TBE: You recently parted ways with the Grant brothers to train with the legendary Emanuel Stewart. How did he improve your skills? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 11, 2012 at 14:27 pm
The Boxing Examiner recently sat down with Montreal’s Manolis Plaitis (17-1-1), to get his thoughts on his upcoming National Championship Committee (NCC) welterweight championship showdown with Samuel Vargas (8-0-1) of Mississauga, Ontario. Plaitis is a former NCC light welterweight champion, whose only loss came against Alfredo Chavez (4-1-0) back in 2010. Like Vargas, Plaitis holds a draw with former CPBC welterweight champion Tebor Brosch (4-3-3). With Brosch now stripped of his title, Plaitis will be looking to become the lone welterweight champion of Canada when he steps into the ring on Saturday evening at Mississauga’s Hershey Centre.
TBE: How has your training camp been for this fight?
MP: Amazing! We did everything to a tee, there were no mishaps, everything went perfect. Our daytime training our strengh our conditioning. Everything went perfect. My trainers were very happy. Everything went amazing
TBE: So you are in shape to deal with the constant pressure of Vargas for 10 rounds? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 11, 2012 at 14:26 pm
On Friday, the Boxing Examiner caught up with Mississauga’s own Samuel Vargas (8-0-1), one day before his National Championship Committee (NCC) welterweight title contest with Montreal’s Manolis Palitis (17-1-1) at Mississauga’s Hershey Centre. The matchup with Plaitis represents the stiffest competition of Vargas’ young but fruitful career and the hometown hopeful’s second Canadian title appearance. Fans will vividly recall Vargas’ 2011 Canadian Fight of the Year candidate, NABA Canada welterweight championship contest against then CPBC champion Tebor Brosch (6-3-5), which ended in a draw. It was Vargas’ subsequent TKO victory over Montreal’s Ahmad Cheikho (6-3-2), however, that took Canadian Fight of the Year honours, ultimately paving the way for this NCC title shot.
TBE: This is your first time out with Billy Martin as your head trainer, what improvements has he made in your style?
SV: He’s helped me a lot with my foot work and my hand speed. I know I can punch, I know I can throw fast combinations, we broke it all down so I could do it better.
TBE: What does it mean to you to be challenging for a Canadian Title? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on February 9, 2012 at 20:03 pm
”I’ll win by KO”
TheBoxingExaminer.com
Unbeaten Brazilian Middleweight contender Michael “The Brazilian Rocky” Oliveira (16-0 12KO’s) will face rugged battle tested Estonian veteran Sergei “The Baltic King” Melis (18-7 7KO’s) in an 8 round contest on Saturday night at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. TheBoxingExaminer.com caught up with Oliveira as he landed in Toronto
TBE: Welcome to Canada, Have you ever been here before?
MO: No, it’s my first time.
TBE: How was your flight from Miami?
MO: It was good and went really quick.
TBE: Are you anxious to fight in front of the Canadian fans? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on January 24, 2012 at 21:38 pm
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
Training in the the Gym “Le champion” in Montreal, Quebec, Yves Ulysses Jr had already proved he was a promising star in the boxing world with his dedication to the sweet science, fast hand speed and movements. Now boxing in the amateur ranks, Yves will have to decide between the London Olympics or becoming a professional prize fighter. Either way, boxing fans will be thrilled to see him in action.
The Boxing Examiner : How did you become interested in boxing?
Yves Ulysses Jr: It really was seeing Floyd Mayweather Jr in action. This guy is unbelievable in the ring. Especially when he fought Oscar De La Hoya in 2007. Those are two artists of the game. More so, they fought for millions of dollars. So I told myself, I would like to do that. Boxing is wonderful, sometimes it can be a war, but you have to play a chess match to win that war. When I first entered the gym at eighteen years of age, I said : I want to become a world champion. I soon learned that boxing was a world of sacrifices and hard work. Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on January 6, 2012 at 12:27 pm
The Boxing Examiner recently caught up with Canadian Professional Boxing Council (CPBC) Cruiserweight champion Jason ‘Friday the Thirteenth’ Douglas (10-4-0) of Kitchener, Ontario, to get the champ’s plans for 2012. In his most recent contest, Douglas defeated former Canadian Boxing Federation (CBF) champion Frank ‘The Hammer’ White of Sarnia, Ontario, to claim the vacant CPBC title. Unsurprisingly, a unification bout with current Canadian Boxing Federation (CBF) champion Ryan Henney sat atop Douglas’ list of “to do’s” for 2012.
The Boxing Examiner: Hello Jason, I understand you are looking for a specific fight in 2012. Is this true?
Jason Douglas: Yes my man. I’ve been the #1 contender for Ryan Henney’s Canadian (CBF) Cruiserweight Title for 8-9 months now, I think. I want to fight Henney.
TBE: You lost a close decision to Henney in Edmonton in April of last year. What are your thoughts on that fight? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on January 6, 2012 at 12:15 pm
By: GM Ross
Jeremy ‘Showtime’ Abbott – the Dunnville welter – recently had his much anticipated bout with Ghislain Maduma (5-0-0) cancelled at the December GYM show in Montreal, Quebec, after the card ran longer than expected. Not only was Abbott in first rate condition for Maduma, he was coming off an impressive first round stoppage of Harrison McBain (3-3-1) in October. Abbott, quite understandably, wants to strike while the iron is hot. “I went up to Montreal to face their undefeated prospect. I was in the best shape of my life and would have handed him his first loss – I’m sure of it. I want Maduma!” Abbott explained to The Boxing Examiner. Well, before that interview could even be published, a match between Abbott- Maduma was scheduled for Montreal in February. “We’re fighting at the Bell Centre, February 18, and this time it’s not a swing match,” an exuberant Abbott told us yesterday.
‘Showtime’ plans on mounting a campaign for the Canadian title in 2012 and – after his February matchup with Maduma – the Ontario hopeful will gladly take on any fighter that will improve his Canadian ranking. “After Maduma, I would love another shot at Ryan Wagner (4-1-0), following his fight with Steve Claggett on January 13.” Wagner is doing well of late, earning a unanimous decision victory over one of Edmonton’s finest, Rory Coveney (7-0-0), back in November. I suspect a rematch between Wagner and Abbott would be well received here in Ontario, where both men are crowd favorites. Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on December 16, 2011 at 10:48 am
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
The next chapter of the Quebec-Ontario rivalry will be written on Saturday night, December 17, at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City, when welterweight contender Antonin Décarie (25-1-0) of Laval, Quebec, takes on Victor ‘Lupo’ Puiu (19-1-2) of Toronto, Ontario, for the vacant WBC International welterweight championship. ‘Lupo’ is coming off the biggest victory of his career against former WBC light welterweight champion Junior ‘The Hitter’ Witter (37-3-2) back in February. Décarie is also coming off an impressive victory, over Shamone Alvarez (21-3-0) in the same month.
Earlier this week, The Boxing Examiner spoke with Antonin Décarie about his upcoming fight.
The Boxing Examiner: Good afternoon Antonin! How are you?
Antonin Décarie: I’m doing good and I’m ready!
TBE: Saturday night, you fight Victor Lupo, one the toughest opponents of your young career. Your thoughts? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on December 14, 2011 at 10:35 am
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
© Photo Courtesy Robert Levesque
Meet Eric Barrak, a fierce heavyweight fighting from the province of Quebec. With a record of five victories and no defeats, Eric impresses boxing fans with his awesome punching power, earning himself four wins by first round knockout in the process. The Boxing Examiner was lucky enough to catch up with this Canadian heavyweight prospect to discuss how he was introduced to boxing, his recent MMA bout with Eric ‘Butterbean’ Esch and his future plans in combat sports.
The Boxing Examiner: Good Afternoon Eric, How are you?
Eric Barrak: I’m doing great and I can’t wait to fight again.
TBE: How did you first became interested in boxing?
EB: I was sixteen years old, a little bit delinquent and I hung around gang members. But, at the same time, I was playing football in high school. So, it was all about making the right or wrong choices in my life and for a while I have made wrong decisions. I dropped out of school, did not work and my life was going nowhere. It’s a good thing my parents had a positive influence in my life, by keeping me away from drugs, for example. One day, my father told me to get serious and I told him I wanted to box. He brought me to the club de boxe olympique of Longueuil, Quebec, and bought me my boxing gloves, shoes, tape for my hands, paid for my lessons and said to me: “Don’t ever say your father wasn’t there for you.” Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on December 9, 2011 at 09:23 am
© Photo Courtesy Guhdar Ali Photography
Canadian boxing fans are introduced to new, up-and-coming boxers, on virtual every fight card here in the Great White North. Unfortunately, we’re seldom introduced to these men and women before they step into the ring. As a growing boxing market, we’re eager to highlight the accomplishments of our world-beaters and regional heroes, in hopes of claiming a pugilistic reputation for our country on the world scale. Certainly, there is nothing ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’ about praising our champions and contenders. Beyond the glamour of the main event, however, are numerous greenhorns, who make each and every card possible by trying their hand at the professional game.
Paul ‘P-Mac’ Mackenzie is one such newcomer. He makes his professional debut tonight, Friday, December 9, at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, against Saskatoon’s Gary Kopas (2-2-1). TBE caught up with Mr. MacKenzie, who graciously agreed to answer a few questions leading up to the fight.
The Boxing Examiner: You’re making your professional debut tomorrow night, are you nervous or excited?
Paul Mackenzie: Honestly, I am a little bit of both, but I can’t wait.
TBE: What influenced you to take up boxing? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on December 2, 2011 at 08:20 am
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
On December 10 in Montreal, Quebec, Canadian knockout artist David Lemieux (25-1-0) will defend his WBC International middleweight title against former WBA light middleweight champion Joachin “Ti-Joa” Alcine (32-2-1). Lemieux is eager to redeem himself after suffering his first defeat against Marco Antonio Rubio (49-5-1) last April. Lemieux agreed to chat with us about his training for the Alcine bout, his last fight with Rubio, and his future plans.
The Boxing Examiner: Good evening David. How is your training?
David Lemieux: My training is going very well. In fact, it’s the best I’ve ever had. I won’t rest until I secure my win against Alcine. I didn’t know changing certain things in my career would be so beneficial for me and I’m happy for it. After losing to Rubio, I needed to add some assets to my style.
TBE: Not so long ago, you parted ways with Russ Anber, a man who trained you since you were nine years old. Now Marc Ramsay took over your boxing career. What discipline is Ramsay bringing you at this stage of your career? Read More
Posted by Durell Wambolt on November 29, 2011 at 17:27 pm
By Jeff Emond Jeffrey
From 1999 to 2004, Joachim “Ti-Joa” Alcine (32-2-1) was one of the most promising prospect in Canada with an undefeated record of 21 wins and 14 knockouts. Along the way, he won the Canadian, IBA, WBA Fedalatin and NABA light middleweight titles. His first knockout win over the very popular Stéphane Ouellet really made Alcine a star. Soon after, his victories over Carl Daniels, Marco Antonio Avendo and Javier Mamani made him a contender. In 2007, an inspired performance against strong southpaw Travis Simms made him the WBA light middleweight champion and the first ever Haitian born champion in boxing.
Unfortunately, in July 2008, a single left hand for Daniel Santos turned Alcine’s dream into a nightmare. He lost his title and suffered a devastating knockout. After two lacklustre showings with Eric Mitchell and Christophe Canclaux, Alcine tasted defeat again in a brutal first round technical knockout at the hands of Alfredo Angulo.
For Joachim Alcine, all these events are in the past. What matters now is the present and the dream to reclaim his championship belt. After a two year absence in Canada, “Ti-Joa” is back. But first, he must get through David Lemieux (25-1-0), which will be no easy task.
Today, Alcine agreed to talk about his career and his future plans to the Boxing Examiner. Read More
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Steve ‘the Dragon’ Claggett (13-1-1) of Calgary, Alberta, is eager to get back in action. In January, Claggett knocked out highly touted Ontarian Ryan ‘The Nightmare’ Wagner (4-1-0), firmly establishing himself as the top light welterweight in western Canada. Wagner, however, wasn’t the opponent Claggett initially hoped for. In October 2011, ‘The Dragon’ called out fellow Albertan Rory Coveney of Edmonton via The Boxing Examiner. Negotiations seemed to be going smoothly; Team Coveney replied to Claggett’s defi positively, telling fans their man was “looking forward to fighting Steve.”
